FrogLog 103 PDF here - Amphibian Specialist Group

Distribution of seedlings of Cinnamomum camphora for the Local Based Community.
Photo: VIF.
Fish pond of one fish farmer of the Local Based Community “Soanierana”.
Photo: VIF.
Distribution of hatchlings for the fish farmers. Photo: VIF.
Habitat restoration and protection
The habitat and restoration initiative is being lead by the Association
Lalona based in Ambatolampy at the foot of the Massif. Lalona
is currently working closely with eight Local Based Communities
(LBC) to provide them with the capacity to develop and run tree
nurseries which are located across Ankaratra. To date these LBC
have successfully planted 10,000 trees within the buffer zone. It is
hoped that this annual number will soon increase to 25,000 trees
and ensure that areas currently deforested and at sever risk of erosion
are saved.
Alternative livelihood initiative
To help ensure the long term sustainability of the program a comprehensive
alternative livelihoods initiative is being implemented
with the aim of enabling local communities to be able to invest
more time in reforestation and habitat protection activities. The
intiative is being spearheaded by VIF who are working closely with
local communities to develop fish farming techniques in conjunction
with growing of rice in paddies. Since 2011, 24 locals have been
provided training in aquaculture techniques and were supported
financially to purchase fry. The initiative is developing well with the
first fish hopefully being sold later this year at market.
30 | FrogLog 20 (4) | Issue number 103 (July 2012)
Protected Area Establishment
A long term aim of the program is to have a portion of the Massif
designated as a protected area. An Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) and site delineation process undertaken in August 2011
in conjunction with a number of workshops and public consultations
have been fundamental to developing an all inclusive approach
to the protected areas strategy. The process has been driven
forward by the Regional Direction of the Environment and Forest
of Vakinankaratra Region with the coordination support by VIF.
Each LBC is actively involved in the development of the protected
area taking on a specific role relating to its management including
forest management and patrolling. Temporary protected status has
recently been applied for and now waits for authorization by the
Ministry for Environment and Forestry.
Public awareness
In conjunction with other activities a public awareness campaign
has been initiated. The campaign aims to ensure that all local communities
and interested stakeholders are fully aware of the importance
of the project and kept informed of developments. The
awareness campaign began with a public consultation to review the
EIA and site delineation and recent efforts have included the distribution
of 500 information brochures.